Stagnation

I looked upon a sea, and lo! 'twas dead;
Although by Hermon's snows and Jordan fed.
How came a fate so dire? The tale's soon told,
All that it got it kept, and fast did hold.
All tributary streams found here a grave,
Because that sea received, but never gave.

O sea that's dead, teach me to know and feel
That selfish grasp and greed my doom will seal;
And help me, Lord, myself to give
That I may others bless--and like thee live.

-unknown